Local communications cooperative announces a free trip for two area high school students

January 26, 2014

Over the past 15 years Heart of Iowa Communications Cooperative has proudly sponsored twenty-two (22) area high school students for a trip to Washington, D.C., in conjunction with the Foundation for Rural Service.

Area high school students age 16 or 17 years of age who reside with a Cooperative Member Parent(s) or Guardian(s) located in the rural telephone exchanges of Albion (488), Ferguson (478), Green Mountain (474), Haverhill/Van Cleve (475), Laurel (476), Liscomb (496), New Providence (497), Union/Whitten/Bangor/Giord (486), Eldora (858 and 939), Conrad/ Beaman (366) and Steamboat Rock (868), who have received their basic telephone service from Heart of Iowa Communications for a minimum of six (6) months, and who are in good standing with their local school district are eligible to apply.

Interested students must complete an application form and submit a 300 Word Essay"Why I want to attend and be part of the 2014 Student Youth Tour." Applications forms are available from high school guidance counselors in the following school districts: AGWSR, BCLUW, East Marshall, Gladbrook Reinbeck, GMG (Green Mountain/Garwin), Marshalltown, South Hardin and West Marshall. Or students may go to Heart of Iowa Communications' website at www.heartoowa.coop to complete their registration and essay online.

This Annual FRS/Heart of Iowa Communications' Youth Tour has created great interest amongst students and their Cooperative Member parents over the years. Area students who have attended this trip are amazed by the opportunities it made available to them. Not only did they meet many new friends from across the country, but they also participated in educational sessions about the Federal Communications Commission (FCC), the U.S. Department of Agriculture, the Rural Utilities Service (RUS) and more.

Students visited some of the nation's most historic sites, including the Vietnam, Korean and World War II memorials, the Supreme Court, the Smithsonian Museums, Arlington National Cemetery, the National Cathedral and the Lincoln, Jeerson memorials and other cultural events.

The 2014 Student Youth Tour is a fantastic opportunity and absolutely FREE for two eligible 16 or 17 year old students. Entry Deadline for this tour is Friday, March 21 2014. Heart of Iowa Communications covers all costs associated with the tour that includes registration, airfare, meals, lodging, event passes, $100 in spending money and a phone card for the selected student(s) to call home.